Green Miles - Industry Insight
Introducing…
Gary Bannister – Chair of Logistics UK’s Decarbonisation Working Group.
I am honoured to step into the role of Chair of Logistics UK’s Decarbonisation Working Group at a time when our sector stands on the cusp of one of the most significant transformations in its history.
The push for a lower‑carbon economy is accelerating, and logistics – responsible for keeping the UK moving every hour of every day – has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead that transition.
My career has been shaped by a belief that operational excellence and environmental responsibility are not competing priorities. In my role as Fleet & Facilities Director at Biffa, I have the privilege of working across diverse operations, from complex fleet decarbonisation programmes to infrastructure development and innovation pilots.
These experiences have reinforced a simple truth: real progress happens when organisations are willing to collaborate, experiment and challenge established thinking.
The Decarbonisation Working Group is uniquely positioned to bring that spirit to the sector as a whole. Its strength lies in the breadth of its membership – operators, manufacturers, fuel providers, policymakers, and innovators – each bringing expertise that, when combined, creates a powerful engine for change. As Chair, my goal is to ensure that this collective insight is channelled into practical, evidence‑based solutions that can be deployed at scale.
The road to net zero is not without its barriers. Operators face difficult decisions around vehicle technology, charging and fuelling infrastructure, whole‑life costs, and data visibility. Policy remains a moving landscape. And the commercial realities of logistics mean solutions must be robust, reliable, and aligned with real‑world operating conditions.
These challenges are precisely why the Working Group must continue to serve as a trusted voice for the sector – shaping policy, influencing regulation and providing clarity in a rapidly changing technological environment. We will continue to examine alternative fuels, develop best practice for zero‑emission fleets, assess infrastructure readiness, and push for the supportive frameworks required to unlock investment and accelerate adoption.
But decarbonisation is not simply a technical or regulatory challenge; it is a strategic one. It requires long‑term thinking, cross‑industry collaboration, and a willingness to adapt. It also requires a recognition that the benefits extend far beyond emissions reduction.
Cleaner vehicles, smarter operations and well‑designed infrastructure all contribute to a more resilient, efficient and competitive logistics sector. They support healthier communities, reduce operating costs over time, and enhance the industry’s reputation as a forward‑looking, socially responsible pillar of the UK economy.
I am committed to ensuring that the Working Group remains an open, constructive and solutions‑focused forum where members can tackle shared challenges candidly and collectively. I look forward to engaging with each of you – whether you operate a single depot or a national fleet – to understand your priorities, capture your insights, and represent them effectively within the wider Logistics UK agenda.
My thanks go to Logistics UK for its confidence in me, and to the Working Group members for their continued dedication and expertise. Together, I believe we can not only support the sector through the transition but help shape a future in which sustainability is embedded into every movement of goods across the country.
I look forward to working with you all in the months ahead as we continue to drive progress, champion innovation, and deliver a truly decarbonised logistics industry.
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